Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat combining the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a tender, buttery dough. These cookies feature a subtle almond or cherry flavor and a surprise Hershey Kiss center, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry extract)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling
• 24 Hershey Kisses

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Add the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of extract, then continue mixing until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt on low speed until fully incorporated. Gradually add a couple of tablespoons more flour at a time until the dough reaches a play-dough consistency that can be handled without sticking to your hands.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until just combined.
5. Step 5: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, form small balls of dough and roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated evenly.
6. Step 6: Chill the sugared dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before baking.
7. Step 7: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Arrange the chilled dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving to let the chocolate set.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger cherry flavor, use cherry extract instead of almond or vanilla.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
• Chop the maraschino cherries finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
• Try substituting dark chocolate kisses for a richer contrast to the sweet cookie.

Storage

Store baked and cooled Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To enjoy after freezing, thaw at room temperature and refresh in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have higher moisture and a different texture, so they may affect the dough consistency and outcome. If using fresh cherries, drain them well and consider reducing added liquid slightly.

What can I substitute for Hershey Kisses?

You can use any small chocolate candies or pieces of chocolate bars as a center. Mini chocolate chips or chocolate-covered cherries also make delicious alternatives.

Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

Delight in these Cherry Blossom Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery dough infused with maraschino cherry juice and almond extract, studded with chopped maraschino cherries, and topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and a festive cherry flavor, ideal for any occasion or holiday treat.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 Cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 Cup powdered sugar
• ¼ Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice liquid
• ¼ Teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla or cherry extract)
• 2 Cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
• 1 Cup maraschino cherries, chopped

For Rolling and Topping

• ¼ Cup granulated sugar, for rolling
• 24 Hershey Kisses

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
2. Add Flavorings: Mix in the maraschino cherry juice and your choice of almond, vanilla, or cherry extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Incorporate Flour and Salt: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then gradually add additional flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough has a play-dough like consistency that can be handled without sticking to your hands.
4. Fold in Chopped Cherries: Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries just until evenly distributed throughout the dough to maintain their texture and flavor.
5. Form and Coat Dough Balls: Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to portion out dough balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in granulated sugar to coat. This adds a light crunch and sweetness to the exterior.
6. Chill Dough Balls: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain their shape during baking.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
8. Bake Cookies: Arrange the chilled dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden and baked through.
9. Add Hershey Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each hot cookie, allowing it to soften slightly and adhere.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to let the Hershey Kisses set and the cookies firm up.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
• Chilling the dough balls prevents spreading and helps maintain a soft texture.
• You can substitute Hershey Kisses with other chocolate candies as desired.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cookies, holiday cookies, cherry cookies, Hershey Kiss cookies, maraschino cherries, almond extract cookies